Sit down with her and talk about the wedding as something that she’s part of. Have a role for her in the ceremony, with something special to wear.

If she still balks, ask why she doesn’t want you to marry. Listen. Don’t over-react. She’s a child fearing she’ll lose her dad.

Tell her that you love her father and her, and want just as he does, for her to be happy.

Her father should assure her that adding you to her extended “family” will not change his love for her.

If she’s still threatening to bolt during the ceremony (an obvious bid for needed attention at this time) her father, and mother too, if possible, should have her talk with a professional counsellor.

Among my friends, single life is fun for some of them, but daunting for others, especially after a break-up.

Sometimes, it can also feel extremely lonely.

Most of my women friends are early-30s, independent, have jobs, live on our own.

But we’re starting to feel traditional pressures about finding a life partner, having kids, etc.

Between the loneliness and the pressure, how do we avoid settling?

Single and Seeking

Know this: An unhappy marriage is lonelier than living single.

You can make yourself excited with wedding plans, busy with setting up house, consumed with having babies and raising kids…

But it’s hard to force happiness with your partner if you don’t feel it.

Avoid “settling” by not rushing into a relationship until you know someone well, and by not convincing yourself of “practical” reasons such as, it’s time… he’s a good provider… he loves me and that’s good enough.

Your future is too important to just hand over.

Tip of the day:

Marrying someone you “settle” for can end up making you lonely and unhappy for years.